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Fatal bicycle accidents concern Pasadena

The two fatal bicycle collisions this month, happening just three days apart, have Pasadena officials concerned. But they insist the city is safe for cyclists.

Jocelyn Young, 24, of Alhambra was struck by a vehicle on Sept. 18 and Alan Deane, 61, of Eagle Rock was hit by a car on Sept. 22.

After Young fell off her bicycle on Los Robles Avenue near Cordova Street, she was struck by a vehicle driven by Nicholas Jeremy Avila, 21, of Alhambra, police told the Pasadena Sun. Avila, who was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, is believed to have been drunk at the time of the collision, Pasadena Police Lt. Randell Taylor said.

Deane was riding his bicycle on Colorado Boulevard near Terrace Drive when he collided with a car making a left turn. The driver of the vehicle was not injured in the crash or arrested. Both incidents are still under investigation.

Last year, the city had 82 bicycle collisions and one fatality. This year so far there have been 64 collisions reported.

“Both bicyclists and motorists need to know and be aware that Pasadena is a very bicycle-friendly city,” Taylor said. “Motorists need to share the road with bicyclists and understand that bicyclists have the same right as they do on the road. They need to be looking out for bicyclists and respect bicyclists.”